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Lion Links: 2/2/20

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Happy Super Bowl Sunday, Mane Landers! Before we jump to the real football, I just want my prediction out there now. I want the Chiefs to win, but I’m taking the 49ers, 27-24. But again, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, I really, really want you guys to win this thing. I hope I’m wrong.

Okay, back to the norm. I trust you’re all having a wonderful week (despite the tragic news that seems to be constantly flowing into our every day lives). If you are, excellent. That’s what it’s all about. If you aren’t, let’s try to turn things around. Every morning is a fresh start. You got this.

All right, enough of my cornball motivational talk, you’re here for some juicy Links. Let’s do this.

Lions vs. Crew Cancelled, Snark Ensues

The Lions were scheduled to scrimmage the Columbus Crew yesterday in Mexico but, well, that didn’t happen. The ensuing snark on social media, in my own personal opinion, was awesome. It all started with the Lions’ Twitter account shooting out a playful tweet. The Crew’s response? Oh, it was quite excellent:

Regardless, the lads in purple scrimmaged against themselves yesterday. They’ll try again with a different opponent on Tuesday against Inter Playa.

U.S. Downs Costa Rica, 1-0

The U.S. Men’s National Team hosted Costa Rica in Los Angeles yesterday for a friendly — the first of 2020 — and, while the result may not tell the entire tale, the young Yanks cruised to a comfortable win, 1-0. The goal, courtesy of Uly Llanez, came via a spot kick in the 50th minute. Llanez became the youngest USMNT player to score a penalty in the modern era. Take a bow, sir. Your swish celebration in honor of Kobe Bryant was admirable, too. That deserves another bow. Other young Yanks were handed their debuts in the Stars & Stripes, including Sam Vines, Brenden Aaronson, Jesus Ferreira, Chase Gasper, Brandon Servania, and Mark McKenzie. Several could take part in the 2020 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship next month. I sure hope they do, too, because it’s time for the USMNT to embrace the budding youth movement that’s happening across this country. We’ll see, but I’m far more than hopeful.

Zadorsky and Plummer Face Off in Olympic Qualifying Action

Some Pride players were in action yesterday at the international level as well, with Shelina Zadorsky of Canada and draftee Konya Plummer of Jamaica facing off in Olympic qualifying, both lining up as center backs for their countries. This one, well, this one wasn’t even close. Like, at all. The final result was 9-0 to the Canadians, and that came even after Canada seemingly pumped the brakes a bit after the match was clearly out of reach for the Reggae Girlz. Notably, Jordyn Huitema of PSG netted five times — twice in the first half and three times in the second. Great Scott, ladies…sheesh.

Eyeing Your Rivals: Inter Miami CF and Fort Lauderdale Club de Fútbol

Inter Miami CF is here, whether you and I like it or not. Now, their official affiliate team has been announced as Fort Lauderdale Club de Fútbol. The developmental team begins play in March, and will immediately jump into the USL League One fray. Much like Orlando City B, this club’s purpose will be to serve as a pipeline for youth players who wish to break into the ranks of the first team in Miami.

“Establishing an identity for Fort Lauderdale CF has been a process the organization has put a lot of thought into because it will be our permanent team playing in the Fort Lauderdale stadium for the long-term,” said Inter Miami CF Sporting Director Paul McDonough. “The team also serves an important role in providing higher-level competition for talented players who are in between the Academy and First Team levels of their careers. We can keep them competing in a professional structure until a good opportunity arises for them either with us or elsewhere.”

They’re [/audible groan] probably going to be decent, and I expect them, much like I expect Inter Miami itself, to be a strong competitor for years to come for the Young Lions and first team alike. Keep an eye on these guys, Mane Landers. They’ll soon become your least favorite MLS players.

Free Kicks

  • With the Super Bowl set for today, the San Jose Earthquakes are backing their local franchise, the San Francisco 49ers, to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Even Chris Wondolowski, a devout Raiders fan — rivals of the 49ers — will be pulling for the Bay area team. I’ve already put my prediction out there, but as I stated earlier, I hope I’m wrong.
  • Kylian Mbappe, please don’t take on the traits of Neymar. Please just stay humble. The young world beater was scolded by PSG manager Thomas Tuchel after his tantrum following a 68th-minute substitution in a 5-0 win yesterday. “Stay gold, Pony Boy. Stay gold.” Please.
  • Liverpool continues their impressive march for the first-ever Premier League title, beating Southampton yesterday 2-0, courtesy of goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson. You’ll Never Walk Alone! For context, Liverpool is my Premier League club (same ownership group that holds the Red Sox, and I was born in Massachusetts. Save the Patriots hate for an ear that cares).
  • This one’s for you, Coach Mike (Orlando United FC). Everton, Mike’s team of choice, down 2-0 for almost half of the match, pulled multiple proverbial rabbits out of their hat to come back and ultimately score what has to be a heartbreaking goal against Watford, winning 3-2 despite playing a man down for the final 20 minutes or so. Well done, lads!

  • Here’s yet another Erling Haaland share — the kid can’t stop scoring for his new club in Germany — Dortmund! He bagged another brace, bringing his tally to seven league goals in just three matches (an average of about a goal per 20 minutes of play). I love it, but as a Bayern Munich supporter, I hate it. I’m clearly conflicted. But cheers to this youngster, I can’t wait to watch what is sure to be a successful career unfold! Oh, and the kid is making an impact on Norway’s state pension fund. I’m not kidding. We have budding superstar on our hands here and hey man, you interested in wearing red?

  • Okay, now we can end on a Bayern note. Thiago, you sly dog you…


All right, that’s all I’ve got for you today, folks. Enjoy the precious remainder of your Sunday and then, as always, kick some ass this week. You know that I know that you’re more than capable. Get it done, whatever it is. Much love.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/2/25

Orlando Pride players on International duty, NWSL power rankings, USWNT friendlies, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. There is plenty of Orlando Pride news today, which is good considering we’re heading into an international break. That means we can look forward to some women’s international matches in addition to Orlando City’s next bout against the Philadelphia Union. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo a happy 24th birthday. Let’s get to the links.

International Duty, Pride Edition

Four players from the Orlando Pride have been called up for international duty. Anna Moorhouse (England), Angelina (Brazil), Emily Sams (U.S.), and Zara Chavoshi (U.S. U-23 training camp) will all head to their respective national teams. Moorhouse’s England will compete in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, while Angelina and Sams will face off in a pair of friendlies between the USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team.

Pride Still on Top

It seems that there are more outlets providing NWSL power rankings every week, but as long as they keep the Pride on top, I’ll keep letting you know about it. Given that the Pride are undefeated, with the most goals scored and the best goal differential, it isn’t surprising that the club is sitting atop the official standings along with these “highly scientific” power rankings. Goal.com, Sports Illustrated, and All For IX all rank the Pride in first place just above the Kansas City Current. I suppose even power rankings are occasionally correct.

Orlando’s Various World Cup Ties

You probably know that Orlando wasn’t selected to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As disappointing as that was, there’s still a chance that the city, and Orlando City SC’s training grounds at Osceola Heritage Park will host team training during the event. The top notch facilities, plus the relatively close proximity to host cities Miami and Atlanta, make Orlando a good option.

On a more positive note, Orlando was chosen as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Camping World Stadium will see Club León vs. CR Flamengo, and Juventus vs. Manchester City. The Group H runner-up vs. Group G winner match and one of the quarterfinal round matches will also be in Orlando. There’s plenty to see and do in the City Beautiful, including some great soccer.

USWNT Youth Movement

Sams won’t be the only younger player in Emma Hayes’ lineup for the friendlies against Brazil. Hayes wants to deepen the player pool, which means bringing in players with an average age of just over 25 years old, and the average number of appearances is less than 35. Hayes also believes this is a chance for the younger players who appeared in the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. The first of the two matches is this Saturday at 5 p.m., with the second coming up Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

Free Kicks


That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and OCB matches this weekend. Hopefully, you have two screens since the match start times overlap. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/1/25

Barbra Banda’s continued importance, Americans in midweek action, USWNT announces friendly, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Good morning everyone! It was a great weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams as Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both won, meaning that we got treated to a six-point weekend (OCB was off). As always we have plenty to talk through this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Barbra Banda Keeps Rolling in 2025

After a wildly successful debut season with the Orlando Pride in 2024, Barbra Banda has showed no signs of slowing down this year. A brace in the season opener meant that she picked up right where she left off last year, and the team has continued to be successful too. The Pride have made it three wins from three to start the 2025 season, and while Banda hasn’t scored since the opener, her blend of pace, power, dribbling, passing, and movement have continuously helped open things up for her teammates, and she drew a penalty that led to the Pride’s game-winning goal Saturday. She isn’t the Pride’s only offensive weapon, but the team clicks into a different gear when she’s at her best.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing in games during the working week, and there are some very important clashes on hand. Things get going later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham visit Arsenal in Premier League play as the Cottagers are in hot pursuit of a coveted European place. Wednesday has Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace facing Southampton, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth take on Manchester City. Also on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan will face Inter Milan in a Coppa Italia semifinal. Things finish up on Friday as Aidan Morris and Middlesborough travel to Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.

USWNT Announces Canada Match

The United States Women’s National Team has announced another friendly taking place this summer, as the team will face Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The match will be the third that the USWNT will play during the window, following a pair of friendlies against Ireland in late June. The neighboring countries will meet at Audi Field with the match designated as the Allstate Continental Clasico, with this being the first time that the match will feature the USWNT. The U.S. faced Canada twice in 2024, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws and the USWNT emerging victorious in shootouts.

Concacaf Champions Cup Preview

The Concacaf Champions Cup returns this week, with the first legs of the four quarterfinal matches set to be played today and tomorrow. Things get started tonight with what should be an exciting match between Club America and Cruz Azul, with the crosstown rivals two of the winningest teams in the competition. Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda leads the CCC’s golden boot race with four tallies. The late game sees the LA Galaxy taking on Tigres as the Galaxy will try to distract themselves from a difficult start to their MLS Cup title defense. Wednesday’s slate has the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Pumas UNAM in Canada in what will be the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The late game will be an all-MLS affair as LAFC hosts Inter Miami in the first meeting between the two sides in CCC play.

Sporting Kansas City Fires Peter Vermes

The longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer is out of work, as Sporting Kansas City announced the firing of Peter Vermes on Monday morning. It’s an end of an era in Kansas City, as Vermes was the head coach since 2009, back when the team was still called the Kansas City Wizards, and he had been named the club’s technical director three years earlier in 2006. He guided the team to an MLS Cup win in 2013; claimed U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015, and 2017; and helped the team be consistently competitive for a majority of his tenure. Despite all of that, SKC missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and was mired in the midst of a 13-game winless streak in all competitions that stretched back to Sept. 18 of last year. After being an assistant on Vermes’ staff, Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim head coach.

Free Kicks


That’s all I have for this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 3/31/25

Lions and Pride win, NWSL weekend recap, FA Cup quarterfinals, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been very busy at work but will attend the Chicago Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field later this week. Our Lions and Pride won while OCB was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Beats LA Galaxy on the Road

On Saturday, Orlando City fought back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy struck early in the first half to jump on top. In the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick after Eduard Atuesta was taken down in the box, and Martin Ojeda buried the spot kick to tie the match at one. In the 90th minute, Luis Muriel scored the winning goal on a long-range free kick to complete the comeback. Orlando is on a three-match unbeaten streak and beat the LA Galaxy for the third consecutive time. Orlando City’s next match will be on the road Saturday against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Orlando Pride Defeat San Diego Wave at Home

The Orlando Pride defeated the San Diego Wave 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium and extended their win streak to three matches to start the season. After a scoreless first half, Haley McCutcheon scored to give Orlando the lead. The Wave equalized before Marta converted a penalty kick goal to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride are off to a great start this season, outscoring their opponents 10-1, and are atop the NWSL standings ahead of the Kansas City Current on goal difference. The Pride are off this weekend due to the international break but will be on the road in their next match against the Seattle Reign on April 12.

NWSL Weekend Recap

The National Women’s Soccer League’s third week of matches is in the books. On Friday, the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC match ended in a scoreless draw. The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, with Ashley Hatch scoring both goals. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Utah Royals 3-0, while the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage match ended in a scoreless draw. On Sunday, the Chicago Stars fell 1-0 to Racing Louisville and remain winless, while Angel City FC edged the Seattle Reign 2-1 to secure its first win of the season.

FA Cup Quarterfinals Recap

The FA Cup quarterfinals wrapped up with thrilling drama as four clubs booked a spot in the semifinals. Crystal Palace cruised to a 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Nottingham Forest edged Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw to advance. Aston Villa dominated Preston North End as Marcus Rashford scored twice to seal a 3-0 win, while Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1. The FA Cup semifinals are set for April 26 as Crystal Palace faces Aston Villa while Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester City.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City GM Luiz Muzzi provided some insight in an ESPN.com article on player transfers and highlighted the importance of building connections with different clubs to facilitate transfers.
  • Former Lion Benji Michel is going to play for HJK Helsinki.

  • That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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